BetVictor bet 14/1 that all four Willie Mullins trained hot-pots (Douvan, Un De Sceaux, Faugheen and The New One) win their respective contests on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival with two of the quartet to oblige their 11/8 favourite.
The bookmaker also reports that dual former winner Hurricane Fly on the drift to 11/1 as punters let their head rule their heart in the opening salvos of the Cheltenham Festival.
Spokesperson Charlie McCann: “It seems inconceivable that Ruby Walsh will have a barren day but we think it is a lot more likely that he will ride a couple of winners than have a fab four-timer. If he does it will be a long road and week back for the bookmakers who have everything crossed that Mullins and Walsh don't monopolise the opening day. If they do it will be the Old Kent Road rather than Mayfair for the layers this evening.”
Number of Ruby Walsh winners opening day: note only the big 4 Douvan, Un De Sceaux, Faugheen, Annie Power count
2 11/8
1 5/2
3 5/2
0 10/1
4 14/1
Number of Willie Mullins trained winners:
2 13/8
3 13/8
1 9/2
4 6/1
0 10/1
5 50/1
Festival market movers:
1.30 Supreme Novices'
Douvan 2/1 (weak)
L'Ami Serge 7/2
Jollyallan 10/1
Shaneshill 12/1
Qewy 14/1
Tell Us More 18/1
22s Bar
2.05 Arkle
Un De Sceaux 8/11
Vibrato Valtat 6/1
Josses Hill 12/1
Clarcam 18/1
22s Bar
2.40 Festival Handicap Chase 5 places
Pendra 7/1
Ned Stark 8/1 (from 9s)
The Druids Nephew 9/1
Gallant Oscar 10/1
Barakilla 12/1
Gevrey Chambertin 14/1
16s Bar
3.20 Champion Hurdle
Faugheen 11/10
The New One 4/1
Jezki 9/2
Hurricane Fly 11/1 (weak)
20s Bar
4.00 OLBG Mares' Hurdle
Annie Power 4/6
Glens Melody 11/2
Polly Peachum 10/1
L'Unique 20/1
Caroles Spirit 20/1
25s Bar
4.40 National Hunt Chase
Very Wood 7/2
Sego Success 11/2
Cause Of Causes 8/1
10s Bar
5.15 Novices' Handicap Chase
Thomas Crapper 15/2
Generous Ransom 9/1
Keltus 9/1
Bold Henry 10/1
Little Jon 12/1
14s Bar
